Senior Program
Our goal is to enhance the health and social well-being of our adult community by providing access to health and social services, as well as opportunities for education, recreation, and involvement with the community.
For more information about the Senior Program, please email Wendy or call 425-432-1272.
Positive social interactions on a consistent basis help keep seniors stimulated, mentally sharp, and intellectually engaged, often leading to reduced stress and longer lifespan.
Social Activities
Congregate Lunch
Lunch is catered by EJ's and served after Bingo at noon every M/W/F. We alternate days with the Black Diamond Community Center which provides congregate meals at their site on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The purpose of this program is to provide nutritious meals in a group setting, encourage social interaction, reduce isolation, and to make support services available to seniors age 60 and over.
For those individuals ages 60+, a suggested donation of $4 helps cover the cost of the meal. For those younger than 60, there is a $7 fee for lunch.
Trips
We are pleased to offer fun and interesting trips for ages 50+. All trips include transportation, parking fees, a staff member, and admission fees unless otherwise noted. Trips are typically scheduled on Tuesdays or Thursdays of each month. Payment is due at time of registration. Reservations may be refunded minus a $5 service fee if made more than 24 hours in advance. In case we have to purchase tickets in advance, a non-refundable policy will be implemented.
Card Games, Board Games, Bunco
Sit in for a hand of Pinochle, Hand & Foot or play board games on M/W/F after lunch or drop in, starting at 12:30. If you don’t play these games, we have Cribbage, Phase 10, Mexican Train, Left Center Right and regular cards available. We also have our occasional game of Bunco, check the calendar for those special times. Bring a friend and play a game!
Parties
Everyone loves a good party! At GMVCC we make holidays special and festive for our participants, and host various parties and luncheons throughout the year, including our monthly birthday party on the 3rd or 4th Wednesday of every month.
Book Club
Join our monthly book club for lively conversation and to meet new people, too. Selections will include both fiction and non-fiction and we are always looking for suggestions. We meet the first Monday of the month at 10am in the lending library. You are responsible for getting your own copy of the book selection.
October 2023 book selection: Horse by Geraldine Brooks
Mah Jong
Drop in Mondays or Wednesdays at 12:30 to play this tile-based game of skill, strategy, and calculation, with a degree of chance, similar to the card game of rummy. We play the Chinese-American version which uses tiles and no cards. This is not the same version as the national Mah Jong League.
Bingo
Join us for Bingo in the main hall on M/W/F at 11:00 am (unless otherwise noted). Play up to 2 cards for 10-12 games. Cost is approx $2.00 for the session. Thank you to our volunteer Bingo callers that make this program possible!
Needle Arts
Do you quilt, knit, crochet, tat, sew, etc? The GMVCC Quilting and Needle Arts Group welcomes you to come to The Den Youth Center every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 10:30am to share ideas, skills, and stories. Stay for lunch at noon in the Main Hall!
Physical Activities
Evidence shows that compared to those who are less active, older adults who are physically active exhibit higher levels of functional health, lower risk of falling, and better cognitive function.
Take a Hike or Urban Hike
This popular program runs May – October. Hikes range from 2-4 miles, and we usually walk on sidewalks or cleared paths and trails. Costs, which include transportation and leadership range from $12-20. Hikes fill quickly, so check the Senior Calendar and be sure to sign up right away!
Walking Group
From helping you lose weight and de-stress to lowering your blood pressure and reducing your risk of many chronic diseases—going for regular walks is one of the best and easiest things you can do for your health. Join this dedicated group for an hour-long walk on the Lake Wilderness Trail and see the benefits for yourself. Walks take place rain or shine on M/W/F at 9am.
Ping Pong
Come enjoy the many benefits of playing Ping Pong! In addition to just being fun, it improves balance and mental alertness, doesn’t put excessive stress on your joints, and stimulates different parts of the brain. This combination of movement, thinking, and socializing makes this an ideal activity for older adults. We play Mondays and Fridays after lunch starting at 1pm in the Main Hall.
Fall-Prevention Exercises
This 15-20 minute exercise video aims to help you strengthen the muscles needed to help prevent a fall. There is no charge for this exercise that takes place in the main hall Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:30am, unless otherwise noted on the Senior Calendar.
Online Chair Yoga
This class uses a variety of props to increase circulation, release tension, increase range-of-motion, and promote relaxation. All exercises can be done seated and/or standing using a chair for support to practice a variety of yoga poses. No experience necessary, no floor work, all levels of ability are welcome. Classes are taught by Candi Foon, Certified Yoga Therapist, and held online via Zoom on Mondays & Wednesdays from 9:15-10:45am.
To register contact Candi Foon at candi.s.foon.sunyata@gmail.com.
Registration includes 2 FREE Introductory classes, and reasonable class packages are offered to fit your budget.
Health and Social Services
GMVCC aims to help provide participants access a variety of services that will help enable them to live well and age in place.
Blood Pressure Checks
Firefighters from Puget Sound Fire perform blood pressure and blood sugar checks in our main hall on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month around 11:00am, depending on their availability.
Foot Care
Karen's Foot Care program is part of our health and wellness program and is facilitated by a Washignton State Certified professional Esthetician who focuses on the needs of diabetics and seniors. She specializes in recognizing everything from abcesses to neuropothy to other diabetic complications. Pedicures consist of nail inspection, warm water soak, clipping and filing of nails, cuticle treatment, exfoliation of calluses, and therapeutic lotion massage.
Routine pedicure/foot care for seniors is provided by Karen's Foot Care every Thursday from 9:00am-3:15pm. Cost is $35 payable to Karen Poppleton the day of your appointment.
This popular service fills up well in advance, so call 425-432-1272 to schedule your appointment today.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels at the Greater Maple Valley Community Center is part of a national program that provides nutritious meals and other nutrition services to men and women in our local community who are elderly, homebound, disabled, frail, or at risk. For program details and to download an application for Meals on Wheels, please visit the Sound Generations website.
MOW in a volunteer-run program. Enthusiastic volunteers from the local community call participants to take meal orders, then pack and deliver over 200 meals each week to dozens of seniors in our local community.
Call GMVCC at 425-432-1272 for more information, or if you would like to volunteer for this important program.
Pet Food
In partnership with the Seattle Humane Society, we offer free pet food for qualifying low-income seniors. Dry pet food will be provided each month for up to three spayed/neutered cats or dogs per household. Canned food will be provided when available and if requested. Special dietary needs will be met if food is available. Complete and submit the Pet Food Application Forms to the GMVCC front desk.
For more information email Denise or call the Community Center at 425-432-1272 if you would like to volunteer to help with this program.
Medical Equipment
Lending Closet
GMVCC maintains a lending closet for use by anyone in our community who needs bathroom or walking aids. All equipment is available free of charge. We are always accepting donations! Donated items available for lending include: canes, crutches, walkers, shower chairs, bedside commodes, wheelchairs, knee scooters and more.
Call 425-432-1272 for available inventory.
Transportation
Community Center Shuttle
The GMVCC Van provides Maple Valley residents rides to and from the Community Center for programs and lunch. Service is available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 3 pm for those 60 years and older, disabled, or with limited income. Van rides are $1 each way within our transportation boundaries. $20 bus passes (good for 20 rides) are available. To schedule a ride call 425-432-1272 at least 24 hours in advance. Subject to availability.
Rides to Medical Appointments
We partner with Catholic Community Services Volunteer Chore Services Program to provide transportation for seniors living in Maple Valley and the surrounding areas. Rides are available at no fee for eligible seniors and disabled persons to and from medical appointments. Participants must enroll and meet eligibility requirements to participate. Availability is M-F from 9am to 4pm. You must be able to transfer into a private vehicle with minimal assistance.
To enroll in the program and/or schedule your ride, please contact Catholic Community Services at 1-888-649-6850. Rides must be scheduled at least one week in advance of your appointment. Have details of the trip ready including name of rider, destination address, and time of appointment.